Saudi Arabia has begun negotiations with Türkiye to acquire 100 TF Kaan fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, according to Ekotrent. The discussions took place during a three-day meeting in Istanbul, where Türkiye’s Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün hosted Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and Air Force Commander Turki bin Bandar Al Saud.
Küresel İş Birliklerinde Yeni Adımlar!
Başkanımız Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, İstanbul’da Suudi Arabistan Savunma Bakan Yardımcısı Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Hava Kuvvetleri Komutanı Turki bin Bandar Al Saud ve beraberlerindeki heyeti ağırladı.
Görüşmeler, Türk… pic.twitter.com/7CrE2CQeDf
— SSB (@SavunmaSanayii) December 24, 2024
Talks reportedly focused on potential joint production, technology transfer, and delivery timelines, with initial deliveries expected in the 2030s.
According to reports, recent high-level meetings, including Saudi Air Force Commander Turki bin Bandar Al Saud’s October 2024 visit to Turkish defense firms, have strengthened ties and paved the way for further collaboration.
The TF Kaan, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, is Türkiye’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Designed for air superiority and multirole operations, the aircraft features advanced capabilities such as reduced radar visibility, supercruise performance, and integration with indigenous weapons systems.
#Turkey: Turkish domestic-developed TAI TF Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet completed its maiden flight today. pic.twitter.com/ir9jo5Qldb
— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) February 21, 2024
Saudi Arabia’s interest in the TF Kaan comes amid challenges in securing U.S.-made F-35 jets, which remain unavailable to the kingdom due to political and regional concerns. The deal aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to localize defense production.
The potential purchase follows a $3.1 billion Saudi order for 60 Bayraktar Akıncı drones in 2023, Türkiye’s largest defense export deal to date. Deliveries of these drones are set to begin in 2025.
